US Forces Conduct Defensive Air Strike in Iraq
American forces launched a defensive air strike in Iraq’s Babylon province, targeting combatants who were preparing to launch drones considered a threat to US and allied troops, according to a US official. This strike is the first by US forces in Iraq since February, when they targeted a pro-Iran commander involved in attacks on US personnel.
The air strike, which Iraqi sources report resulted in at least four deaths, aimed at combatants attempting to deploy uncrewed aerial systems. The US defense official, who spoke anonymously, stated that the drones posed a significant threat to US and coalition forces. “We retain the inherent right to self-defense and will act appropriately,” the official added.
The Hashed al-Shaabi, a pro-Iran group integrated into Iraq’s security forces, reported that missile strikes had killed four people at a base in Babylon, but they did not confirm any drone launch attempts from the ground. They mentioned that two patrols were targeted by missiles fired from drones.
Security sources confirmed the fatalities and indicated that the number might rise. Recent weeks have seen increased targeting of US and allied forces in Iraq, including rocket and drone attacks. Notably, a base hosting US-led coalition troops, Ain al-Assad, was targeted with rockets and drones in July, causing minimal damage.
Attacks on US troops in Iraq and Syria had been rare since April but spiked during the early months of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Iran-backed groups, particularly the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, have claimed responsibility for many attacks in support of Palestinians. The US military responded with strikes against these groups.
Baghdad is working to ease tensions and negotiate the future role of the US-led coalition in Iraq. Currently, the US maintains about 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 in Syria, assisting in the fight against remnants of the Islamic State group, which continues to conduct sporadic attacks in the region.
